Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A shipping frame assembly for transporting an object. The shipping frame assembly has at least one pallet adapted to receive the object and at least one coupling member removably mounted to the pallet, for securing the object to the pallet. The pallet includes a support member, which has at least one first cut-out portion. The coupling member has at least one second cut-out portion. When the coupling member is mounted to the pallet, the first cut out portion and second cut portion cooperatively form an aperture adapted to securely fasten the object to the pallet.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus described herein provide a camera (or other electronic equipment) with one or more cold neon display areas. Each cold neon display area is illuminated by a neon powder layer electrically connected to a substrate layer via a power source. Each cold neon display area produces the effect of glowing words and/or images that are shaped by one or more mask layers and colored by one or more filter layers. In addition, the plane that each cold neon display area appears at may vary to create a three dimensional lighting effect.

Abstract: A light modulator comprises a mirror, a substrate provided with at least one electrode, and at least one hinge extending between the substrate and the mirror. The mirror is flexible with the hinge being displaceable for allowing for the displacement and/or the deformation of the mirror. Typically, there are two symmetrically disposed hinges, each including upper and lower arms that define an angle therebetween. The upper arm is connected to the mirror, and the lower arm is mounted to the substrate. The upper and lower arms are adapted to pivot relative to one another thereby allowing the angle to vary and thus allowing the mirror to at least one of displace and deform. When unbiased, the mirror may be plane, convex or concave. When biased, the plane mirror adopts a curved attitude, whereas the curved mirror changes its curvature. The upper and lower arms of each hinge are V-shaped and define an apex. The apexes extend inwardly in a facing relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for permitting a wagerer to remotely place a wager is disclosed. The wagerer remotely contacts a ticket writer or computerized system. The ticket writer or computerized system generates a random number and sends the random number to the wagerer via a local pager. The wagerer remotely contacts the ticket writer or computerized system, and instructs the ticket writer or computerized system of the wagerer's desired wager and the random number.

Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance has an annular top wall. A side wall depends from the top wall, and has a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The top wall has an opening that is adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid. The top wall also has a retaining member. The lid further has a closure member positioned on the mounting portion. The closure member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the closure member is received in the opening in the first position and at least a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member in the second position. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for analysis and therapy of the eye utilizing laser-induced ultrasound.

Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.

Abstract: A lid, suitable for “take-away” hot and cold beverage containers, which reduces spillage of the container contents and allows the user to store the container contents for consumption at a later date. The lid comprises a main body portion, incorporating an aperture for discharging the container contents, and a flexible arm portion, connected to the body portion and having a closure member positioned thereon. When a user requires to store the contents of the container for consumption at a later date, the flexible arm portion can be bent over the top of the main body portion and the closure member engaged in the aperture so as to seal it. The main body portion may also include a recess, suitably shaped to receive the closure member, wherein, when the user requires to discharge the container contents through the aperture, the closure member can be engaged in the recess such that the arm portion does not interfere with the discharge of the container contents through the aperture.